Beautiful Gaelic song at it's very best...Rachel Walker brings her own special style of singing with her crystal clear voice complemented by two of Scotland's most sought after musicians - Carol Anne MacKay (Dochas) on accordion, pipes, whistles and vocals and Ewan Robertson (Breabach) guitar and vocals. Rachel has performed alongside the top names in Gaelic song at a variety of events including the Flower of the West concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. She has also appeared on numerous TV programmes including the award winning BBC series on Gaelic song.

The Rachel Walker Band
Saturday 23 June 2007
Carrbridge Village Hall @ 8pm
Tickets £10/ £8 under 16
Carrbridge Community Arts Ticket Line: 01479 841211
On line ticket booking at www.thebooth.co.uk  


Rachel Walker was born in Salisbury in 1976, and was brought up south of the border until the age of eight, when a move to Kinlochewe in Wester Ross changed the course of her life.

Rachel was introduced to Gaelic song during her attendance at Kinlochewe primary school, and with encouragement from her teacher Margaret MacLean, she was soon showing a natural talent for giving the songs a style of her own. She continued to sing throughout her time at Gairloch High School, becoming much in demand for her performances at local Cèilidhs and concerts, as well as picking up prizes at local mods. She began attending Fèis Rois as a pupil, which served to fuel her passion for Gaelic song, and traditional music.

On leaving school Rachel completed an H.N.D. course in Classical music at Napier University, all the while continuing to be involved with Fèisean, this time as a tutor.

In 1996, Rachel was accepted as one of the first students on the brand new Scottish Music course at the RSAMD where she studied Gaelic song under the tutelage of renowned Gaelic singer Kenna Campbell. During this time Rachel was asked to perform at the Dingwall Highland Festival and formed Dòchas for the occasion. With them Rachel played throughout Scotland as well as festivals in France, Spain and Ireland, latterly helping to win a prestigious Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections.

Now a solo performer, Rachel released her debut album to critical acclaim in June 2004. She is much in demand as a teacher throughout the Highlands and has performed among the top names in Gaelic song at events such as the Flower of the West concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Blas festival, and the Annual Comunn na Gàidhlig
concert in Eden court, Inverness. Rachel also guests with the popular band Skipinnish and has appeared on all of their recordings.

Rachel has appeared on numerous television programmes, most lately the BBC’s award winning series on Gaelic song, Aig Crìdhe ar Ciùil.

Rachel launched her second album, Fon Reul Sholas, in June 2006 coinciding with a successful tour of the Highands and Islands with her own band.

2007 has already been a promising year for Rachel, kicking off with two appearances at Celtic Connections and a busy schedule already booked for the months ahead.


The Rachel Walker Band Are:

Rachel Walker - Gaelic Song & Piano
Carol Anne MacKay (Dòchas)
Accordion, Pipes, Whistles & Vocals
Ewan Robertson (Breabach)
Guitar & Vocals

Rachel Walker has released two critically acclaimed albums and touring with this line up enables her to bring her own special style of singing to audiences throughout Scotland. Her beautiful crystal clear voice is complemented by subtle, yet effective accompaniment by two of Scotland’s most sought after musicians.

Rachel is also able to add to her band where occasion allows adding fiddle / bass / added vocals to create a truly special sound.

Her 2006 tour coincided with the launch of her second album - Fon Reul Sholas and was a great success, with
fantastic feedback from many who attended.